Day 1: Maun to Sankuyo Community Concession – Botswana

Welcome to Africa and your Maun to Victoria Falls Botswana Safari! Upon arrival at Maun Airport, your guide will meet you and transport you to Mogogelo Camp (or similar) in the Sankuyo Community Concession. The drive from Maun to the camp is approximately 70 km (43 miles) and takes about 2 hours.

The community-run Sankuyo Community Concession is beautifully located on the southern edge of Okavango Delta’s renowned Moremi Game Reserve and is rich in wildlife, particularly lions. It provides an authentic African safari experience with canvas-tented rooms offering comfortable sleeping arrangements with en-suite bathrooms. They are elevated on wooden decks to provide private decks on each tent with stunning views of the waterhole and the wild Okavango Delta.

Settle in and unwind with a sundowner on the deck as you watch animals gather by the water. Your guide will provide an overview of the safari adventure ahead before you enjoy a delicious dinner amidst the tranquil sounds of the African bush.

Day 2: Sankuyo Community Concession to Moremi Region – Botswana

After a hearty breakfast, your Botswana Safari from Maun to Victoria Falls continues through Moremi Game Reserve and toward its northern entrance, before crossing into the Khwai Concession area of the delta. Your guide will introduce you to the fascinating wildlife you encounter en route. The drive covers approximately 90 kilometres (56 miles) and takes 2-3 hours, excluding game viewing.

For the next three nights of your safari in Botswana, you will stay at the beautiful MmaTsebe Tented Camp (or similar), nestled in an ancient riverine forest along the Mbudi River. Settle into your sumptuous en-suite tent with a fan, and explore the cosy dining and recreation area where meals, made from fresh, locally sourced produce, will be served while you soak up the scenic views.

Embark on your first game drive in the early afternoon, through one of southern Africa’s premier wildlife-viewing regions where animals roam freely across the unfenced landscape. You may spot elephants, lions, buffalo, various antelopes, and possibly even leopards near the rivers or cheetahs in the open savannah. As the evening draws in, we return to our camp in the Khwai River area bordering Moremi for a hearty dinner and relax by the campfire surrounded by the nocturnal sounds of the African bush.

• Included Activity: Afternoon Safari Game Drive
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 & 4: Moremi Game Reserve – Botswana

Day 3 of your Botswana Safari begins at a relaxed pace. After breakfast, head to the nearby Mokoro station for an iconic Okavango Delta experience – exploring the delta waterways aboard a mokoro – traditionally a dugout canoe, but now made from fibreglass to preserve the trees of the delta. One or two people sit in each boat, expertly guided by a local poler through the serene Mbudi Channel. Glide through the water admiring the delta’s lush vegetation and wildlife as your poler shares insights into life in this incredible place. Return to Mmatsebe Camp for lunch and a brief siesta before embarking on an exciting afternoon safari game drive. Your guide expertly seeks out the hidden wonders of the bush. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner and relax around the campfire.

Awake at dawn on day 4 for a full day of safari adventures in the Moremi Game Reserve. Take advantage of the early morning hours – a good time to view wildlife. Keep a close lookout for the Big Five and the rest of the reserve’s diverse wildlife. Watch for African wild dogs, known for their exceptional pack-hunting skills, and marvel at the teeming birdlife of this incredible place. Around midday, reach the Xakanaxa lagoon, where you’ll board a riverboat for a serene journey along the reed-lined waterways, enjoying a picnic lunch and breathtaking views.

As the afternoon turns to evening, head back to camp while looking out for the last wildlife encounters along the way. Enjoy another delicious dinner, sharing stories of the day’s thrilling encounters.

• Included Activity: Mokoro Trip, Afternoon Safari Game Drive, Full Day Moremi Safari
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Day 5: Moremi to Savuti & Chobe Forest Reserve – Botswana

Day 5 of your Maun to Victoria Falls Botswana Safari begins before dawn for a long but exhilarating journey to the Savuti region of Chobe National Park, spotting wildlife along the way. The Savuti Marsh is known for its rich wildlife and is particularly famous for its lion prides, which have even been known to hunt elephants! Wildlife sightings are sure to be abundant along the way, with the chance to see lions and leopards adding to the excitement.

The drive is approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles), which should take 6 to 7 hours depending on wildlife sightings. After a fulfilling day of game viewing, you’ll arrive at Thobolo’s Bush Lodge (or similar), situated north of Savuti overlooking the scenic Barangwe Pan. Settle into the lodge and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views from the deck. As the sun sets, unwind with a refreshing sundowner drink while watching wildlife come to the water to drink, before tucking into a hearty dinner.

• Included Activity: Game drive en route to Savuti
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Chobe Forest Reserve to Kasane – Botswana

Enjoy a more relaxed morning after two early starts on your affordable Botswana Safari. After a leisurely breakfast, head out on a short drive to Chobe Bush Lodge (or similar), located on the banks of the Chobe River near Kasane. Keep a close lookout for wildlife encounters along the way.

Check-in, relax by the pool and savour a hearty lunch. Later this afternoon, embark on a thrilling riverboat cruise safari along the Chobe River into Chobe National Park. This is game viewing with a difference, as you encounter herds of elephants, buffalo, and a wide array of birds, including the African skimmer and various kingfishers, from the vantage of your river boat. Take in the stunning views as the sun sets over the river while you enjoy a sundowner refreshment before returning to the lodge for a hearty dinner.

• Included Activity: Chobe River Safari Boat Cruise
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 & 8: Kasane to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Start the day with an exciting morning game drive in Chobe National Park, taking advantage of the early morning hours which are best for game viewing. Chobe is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards and unique antelope species like the puku antelope and red lechwe. Enjoy a thrilling day of wildlife sightings and a picnic lunch in the park.

After lunch, return to Kasane where your Botswana Safari from Maun to Victoria Falls crosses the border into Zimbabwe. Once in Zimbabwe, we travel to the beautiful Batonka Guest Lodge (or similar) in the village of Victoria Falls. You will spend two nights in this iconic location.

Day 8 begins with a tour of the majestic Victoria Falls, for an up-close view of one of the largest waterfalls in the world! Stretching 1.7 kilometres (approx 1 mile) wide and 108 metres (354 feet) high, the falls are a magnificent sight and the early visit offers the best light and fewer crowds. After the tour, enjoy some free time to explore Victoria Falls town or browse the vibrant souvenir market. There are also many optional adventure activities, such as a scenic flight over the falls or a bungee jump, that can be arranged.

In the late afternoon, it is time for a sunset boat trip along the mighty Zambezi River above the falls. Enjoy the serene waters of the river which is a stark contrast to the power of the waterfall not far away. Enjoy breathtaking sunset views as you glide back to shore. For the final evening of your trip, enjoy an evening out with your group at a local restaurant (optional and at your own expense) where you can swap memories of your epic Botswana safari adventure.

• Included Activity: Chobe Safari Drive, Victoria Falls Tour, Sunset Zambezi Boat Cruise
• Optional Activities: Scenic Flight, Bungee Jump, White-Water Rafting, and much more
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Day 7), Breakfast (Day 8)

Day 9: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Enjoy a last leisurely breakfast at the lodge before you are collected for a transfer to the Victoria Falls airport to catch your connecting flight. Here your epic Botswana Safari from Maun to Victoria Falls finishes.

• Included Activity: Airport transfer
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Botswana Safari Tour Notes

We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Botswana Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Maun and fly out the day after the small group tour ends in Victoria Falls to allow for delays and changes.

Simply ask your friendly travel advisor to add pre- and post-tour accommodation to your Botswana Safari booking.

Optional Victoria Falls Tour Add-Ons

This Maun to Victoria Falls Botswana Safari combines well with our short Victoria Falls Tours, where you can enjoy the full selection of Victoria Falls activities. Since Victoria Falls is one of the world’s iconic destinations, most people opt to spend more time here to take full advantage of the many cultural, wildlife and adventure activities on offer.

There are airports on both sides of Victoria Falls for easy departures from either country.

Similar Small Group Botswana Safari Options

This Botswana Safari from Maun to Victoria Falls is also available travelling in the opposite direction. The 9-Day Victoria Falls to Maun Botswana Safari travels the same route but begins in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and ends in Maun, Botswana. Please note that this alternative safari tour from Victoria Falls to Maun is reserved for German-speaking clients.

Botswana Safari Accommodation

The accommodation listed in this safari itinerary is subject to availability. Should the listed establishment not be available, a similar lodge/safari lodge of the same standard will be booked. This will be conveyed to you at the time of booking.

For more details contact African Budget Safaris